The Illinois legislature will be back in session next week, and there is a critical bill on the table to safeguard the Mahomet Aquifer from the dangers of carbon capture and sequestration. Since last session’s carbon sequestration legislation passed, we’ve learned that these projects carry even greater risks than previously understood. ADM’s ongoing CO2 sequestration project has leaked — not once, but twice. This alarming situation underscores why we need stronger, targeted protections for our precious water resources.
The Mahomet Aquifer is the primary drinking water source for nearly one million people across Central Illinois. Last session’s legislation, Public Act 103-0651, created some protections, but a key gap remains: the law does not fully protect the Mahomet Aquifer — or any other sole-source aquifer in Illinois — from contamination risks. For the Mahomet Aquifer, there’s no alternative drinking water source, so any threat to its safety puts the entire region’s water security at risk.
ADM’s recent leaks at its Decatur sequestration project emphasize that no level of risk is acceptable. In March, during bill negotiations, a monitoring well leaked, and a notice of violation followed in August. A second leak has now forced ADM to halt CO2 injections. Despite this, three additional carbon sequestration projects are proposed for the Mahomet Aquifer and its recharge areas, with potential to store up to 215 million metric tons of CO2 — a volume 5,000% greater than any previous storage in Illinois.
Now is the time for action. Representative Ammons has introduced HB5874 in the House, and Senator Faraci has introduced SB3968 in the Senate. These bills would provide essential protections by banning carbon sequestration projects through and under the Mahomet Aquifer, safeguarding clean drinking water for Central Illinois communities.
Please urge your elected officials to cosponsor HB5874 and SB3968 to protect the Mahomet Aquifer today.
